Short on Time?

Summer is coming! That always makes me feel like I have less time for my workout. I wanna be playin in the sun with my kids and relaxing in the sun!

So if you only have, say, 30 minutes, what should you do?

My opinion, do resistance training in circuits, Put maybe 4 or 5 or 6 exercises together, take out your rest time. It'll keep your heart rate up (a cardiovascular perk!)

Here's an example:*
Dumbbell Squats, 12 reps
Dumbbell Lunges, 12 reps
Glute Kickbacks, 15 reps
Dumbbell Calf Raises, 12 reps
Deadlifts, 12 reps
Go through that set one after another as your 1 set. Then when you're done with your deadlifts, go back to the beginning and start over for set 2. Don't forget to warm up before, and stretch out after!

*(These all can also be done with bodyweight rather than dumbbells)

Need to tighten your midsection?

If you have loose skin around your midsection, you're not alone. It happens to all of us. Especially with that Twinkies craze! I won't lie, I got a twinkie too. But, now what....

To tighten up loose skin around your waist you need to get some muscle there to fill out the space a little. How do you do that? Weight training & core work.
Also, if you're not already drinking a protein shake, Whey Isolate is a good one for this. If you do that and eat about 3 or 4 servings a day of colorful vegetables and about 2 servings a fruit per day, it'll help build collagen. Goodbye loose skin!

Plateau?

If you've been doing the same routine and eating the same foods for awhile, you'll eventually plateau. (meaning, you won't see any changes and feel stuck where you're at). Not to worry! Your body usually does this after around 30 days of the same thing. So switch it up! Have fun with it! You can change the order you do them in. If its something you stand to do, like curls, challenge your balance and stand on one leg (this is great with the wall sits too!). Try sitting on a stability ball if you like that better.
Also, see if it's time to up your weights slightly. Maybe add in some swimming or zumba, if that's what you like. I like to add in some hiking when the weather gets warmer and the kids love it!

Ginger!

I'm going to spend a little extra time with this one, it is one of my favorites! I personally always buy raw ginger and I always peel my ginger. Ground ginger is used in baking typically, but, has a very different flavor from the whole root. Raw ginger is typically more pungent and has a hotter flavor (until it's cooked). Some great ways to use it, obviously, stir fries and curries. I like to add it to marinades and to broccoli or carrots. If you like to juice your fruits- try juicing it with some apples and carrots! Another delicious way to serve it is in a homemade salad dressing with olive oil and garlic.
Another great thing about ginger- it has a history of being used as a traditional medicine (although, please check with your Dr.!) Here is a list of some of the things ginger can do!

*warming and invigorating effect on your body
* can boost poor circulation
* can relieve arthritic and rheumatic joint pain & sports related muscle pains
* helps cellulite and varicose veins
*ginger tea promotes sweating, can lower a high temp and relieve flu symptoms. Also helps clear congestion and chest infections (like bronchitis)
* has antiseptic properties
* can prevent motion sickness and nausea
* calms digestive system
* can ease toothaches
* speeds digestion
* can thin blood (anti coagulant)
* can be used to lower blood pressure & cholesterol
* contains antioxidants, can help prevent some forms of cancer
* stimulates the lives and helps eliminate harmful toxins

That's a long list!! Do you see why I love it? So, next time you're at the store- here is what you need to know. Choose one that is firm and smooth to the touch. Don't buy one that looks dried out, wilted or cracked. Try not to keep it in the fridge- it makes it mold pretty quickly. I keep mine in a dry place, away from most foods- it can leave its flavor behind.

Guacamole and Whole Wheat Pita Chips

Guacamole

1/2 avocado
1/2 tomato, diced
Juice of 1/2 lime
handful of finely chopped onion (optional)
snipped cilantro, to taste (I like a lot!)
salt and pepper, to taste

Mash up the avocado. Toss in the tomato, onion and cilantro, if using. Add lime juice. Mix well. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Throw in diced chili peppers, if desired.

Whole Wheat Pita Chips

Slice 1/2 whole wheat pita in quarters. Separate sides and toast in toaster oven until crunchy about 3 minutes.